HC Deb 15 February 1996 vol 271 cc666-7W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he first learnt of the alleged irregularities involving work by Union Railways on the channel tunnel rail link. [15162]

Mr. Watts

I was first informed by Union Railways of the alleged irregularities on Tuesday 6 February.

There is no suggestion of any connection between the alleged irregularities and the evidence Union Railways has presented to the Select Committee considering the Bill, or of any connection with the competition to select the private sector promoter for the channel tunnel rail link project.

Mr. Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the inquiry into the alleged irregular processes involving Union Railways is to be completed. [15163]

Mr. Watts

The inquiry into the alleged irregular processes involving Union Railways began on Wednesday 7 February and is expected to take several weeks to complete.